THE KENN AND KENTON FEDERATION HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT

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1 THE KENN AND KENTON FEDERATION HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT 1. STATEMENT OF INTENT 1.1 This is a Policy Statement of Organisation and Arrangements for The Kenn and Kenton Federation. The policy statement is the local supplement to Devon County Council's General Statement of Policy and the Health Safety and Welfare Policy (see Devon County Council Health and Safety Manual. Copies of the above documents, along with other information on health, safety and welfare matters will be found in the school office. 1.2 The school s Governing Body and Senior Management Team recognise and accept their responsibilities under law and under DCC s delegation for local management of schools. This statement deals with those aspects over which the Governing Body has local control, and covers safety associated with the building structure, plant, fixed equipment and services for which other Officers of the Local Education Authority (LA) also have responsibility 1.3 The Kenn and Kenton Federation recognises its duty of care for the health, safety and well-being of its employees. It will take effective steps to ensure that this is achieved, so far as is reasonably practicable. In discharging this responsibility, it will take into account its parallel obligations for the health and safety of pupils, visitors and other who might be affected by its operations. 1.4 The provisions in this policy are intended to ensure that health and safety is an integral part of the general process of risk management which the schools operate. Thus, health and safety will be included in the school s review and planning process as an issue essential to the development and maintenance of the schools management systems. 1.5 The purpose is to : To provide the necessary authority and support for staff as they make their respective contributions to health and safety To set out duties and responsibilities To recognise the partnership necessary with the LA to ensure that all statutory duties in this field are met To emphasise the importance of keeping hazards under control by making an assessment of operating risks. 1.6 The Policy Statement, together with its associated organisation, arrangements and procedures, has been approved by the school s Governing Body 2. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2.1 THE GOVERNING BODY In consultation with the executive head, the Governors will: approve a clear written policy statement which is regularly reviewed; ensure that measures are in place to monitor the effectiveness of the policy;

2 ensure that where required, objective support and advice is obtained on health and safety issues from the Education Directorate, the Health and Safety Executive and other professional bodies' officers and advisers; Include health, safety and security issues in regular premises inspections; (see Inspection Checklist for Safety Representatives, DCC 2/2001) Include health, safety and security on the appropriate committees Agenda so that the full governing body is kept informed; ensure that the necessary financial and other resources are provided to meet local, Directorate and Corporate objectives. as part of the school monitoring timetable health and safety is monitored and a regular report submitted to the governing body so that an effective response can be made to issues and incidents, enabling high standards of safety to be achieved, maintained and improved; training needs are identified and appropriate training is offered to staff and governors. Jane Lewis is the named Health and Safety Governor 2.2 EXECUTIVE HEAD The day-to-day responsibility for all school health, safety and welfare organisation and activity rests with the Executive Head who will: provide positive Leadership on and be the focal point of reference for health, safety and welfare matters and give advice, or indicate sources of advice; co-ordinate the implementation of governors' health, safety and welfare policies and procedures in school and ensure all employees know about and understand them; make clear any duties in respect of health and safety which are delegated to members of staff; identify any health and safety training needs and procure delivery of appropriate competent training ; ensure that there is an effective communications network both within the school and with outside organisations, to enable effective dissemination of health and safety information and action on concerns, through staff meetings, memos and 1:1 meetings; ensure that there are appropriate means of consultation and communication with employees and their Trade Union Safety Representatives; put in place procedures to monitor the effectiveness of the school's management of health and safety and its policy, through planning and setting objectives, establishing system of inspection, audit and review; in consultation with the LA, liaise with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Inspectors and other enforcement agencies; in consultation with the LA, to arrange for the reporting and subsequent investigation of all serious incidents and accidents according to the RIDDOR procedures, ensuring that appropriate remedial measures are taken to prevent reoccurrence; ensure that contact is maintained with agencies able to offer expert advice, such as officers of the LA, County Council and HSE. arrange for risk assessments (especially a written Fire Risk Assessment) of all identified physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic or psychological hazards associated with the premises, people, equipment and working practices ( to be undertaken, recorded, added to, and reviewed as necessary - e.g. when a situation changes, or new equipment is acquired);

3 ensure that the appropriate emergency procedures and first aid provision are in place in school; 2.3 ALL EMPLOYEES Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 it is the duty of every employee, while at work: to take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself/herself and of any other persons who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions at work; to co-operate with the employer so far as it is necessary, to enable the employer or any other person to carry out their legal health, safety and security responsibilities and comply with relevant legislation; not to intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety or welfare in pursuance of any of the relevant statutory provisions; Thus all employees should: know the health and safety organisation and arrangements to be adopted in their own working areas and ensure they are applied; all teaching and non-teaching staff make themselves fully aware of relevant Health and Safety issues, regulations, practices and school procedures for both curricular and non-curricular areas of activity e.g. fire safety, visits, playtimes etc. staff and pupils work collectively to secure safe environments and procedures. This is documented in school council and staff meeting minutes. observe standards of dress consistent with safety and/or hygiene exercise good standards of housekeeping and cleanliness report all accidents, defects and dangerous occurrences 2.4 STAFF WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY The following staff have special responsibility: Amanda Somerwill and Sue Whittaker health and safety co-ordinators. Jo Tetlow Head of Teaching and Learning at Kenn, Joe Baxter Head of Teaching and Learning at Kenton. Sue Coles first aid co-ordinator at Kenn and Linda Thorne first aid co-ordinator at Kenton. This team will be responsible for: the local arrangements to ensure the effective control of risks within the specific areas under their control; the local arrangements for the purchase, inspection and maintenance of equipment and its specification; the coordination of the school's health and safety policy in their own department or area of work, directly responsible to the Executive Head for the application of the health and safety procedures and arrangements; establishing and maintaining safe working practices including arrangements for ensuring, as far as is reasonably practicable, the absence of risks to health and safety in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances, e.g. chemicals, hot water, sharp tools, etc; resolving health, safety and welfare problems referred to them by members of their staff or referring to the Executive Head or line manager any problems they are unable to resolve within the resources available to them;

4 ensuring that risk assessments are carried out when necessary, and on a regular basis within the overall programme for the school, on the activities and equipment for which they are responsible; ensuring, as far as is reasonably practicable, that sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision is provided to enable employees and pupils to avoid hazards and to contribute positively to their own health and safety; obtaining relevant advice and guidance on health and safety matters. 2.5 SPECIAL OBLIGATIONS OF ANY CLASS TEACHER In addition to the general responsibilities of employees, outlined above, class teachers are expected to: raise any health and safety concerns outside their control related to their class area with their immediate line manager; exercise effective supervision of pupils and know the emergency procedures in respect of fire, first aid and other emergencies, and to carry them out; know the particular health and safety measures to be adopted in their own teaching areas and to ensure that they are applied; give clear instructions and warnings to pupils as often as necessary; set a good example by following safe working procedures personally; ensure the use of protective clothing and guards where necessary; avoid introducing any personal items of equipment or substances that may cause unacceptable risk in their use; build in safety education in curriculum planning. 2.6 SCHOOL HEALTH AND SAFETY REPRESENTATIVES Safety Representatives are appointed by recognised Trade Unions. At present there are no such Representatives. Under the requirements of the Safety Committee and Safety Representative Regulations 1977, where Safety Representatives are appointed they will be given adequate time and facilities to fulfil their functions. 2.7 THE PUPILS Pupils, in accordance with their age and aptitude are expected to: exercise personal responsibility for the health and safety of themselves and others; observe standards of dress consistent with safety and/or hygiene, as detailed within the appropriate curriculum safety guidelines; observe all the health and safety rules of the school and, in particular, the instructions of staff given in an emergency; use and not wilfully misuse, neglect or interfere with things provided for their health and safety; All pupils and parents will be made aware of the contents of this section of the policy through the prospectus

5 2.8 CONTRACTORS All contractors under local control will be appropriately selected and competent in terms of health and safety; Contractors must be made aware of and abide by the school's health and safety policy and not endanger pupils, staff or other visitors to the site; The Executive Head will be responsible for the coordination of contractors' activities on site, bearing in mind the guidance given in the aide memoire on small building works; The Executive Head must ensure that any temporary rules, such as exclusion from parts of the premises, are made known to all staff, pupils and students and visitors to the premises. This might be achieved by the posting of suitable notices by the Headteacher, or by the contractor, in consultation with the Headteacher; The Executive Head will consult the Capital Strategy Project or DEHSSA Officer, and, if necessary, the Area Maintenance Manager at Devon Surveyors Practice or Site Services, for any additional guidance on these matters; All contractors must report to the Executive Head or Head of Teaching and Learning before any work takes place and prior to each working session. The Headteacher should then inform the contractor of any conditions which may affect his safety and that of others. 2.9 VISITORS AND OTHER USERS OF THE PREMISES Visitors and other users of the premises should be required to observe the health, safety and welfare rules of the school (see security policy) In particular, parents and other volunteers helping out in school, including those associated in self-help schemes, should be made aware of the health and safety policy and procedures applicable to them by the teacher to whom they are assigned. 3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE POLICY Risk Assessment 3.1 The underlying process, which informs this policy, is risk assessment. Assessments of significant risks will be made in conjunction with those affected and recorded in writing. It will be the responsibility of the Executive Head, Heads of Departments and line managers to ensure that relevant risk assessments are maintained and kept up to date. 3.2 The school s will follow the guidance contained within the DCC Health and Safety Guidance Notes. In addition, the following school specific arrangements are in place: Accident / Incident Reporting: every injury should be reported in the schools accident book, located in the Photocopier room. An injury that needs

6 medical attention or involves time off work must be investigated by the person in charge of the area or activity. Where the accident falls within the LA Accident reporting criteria, the County Accident Form must be completed by the relevant member of staff, signed by the Executive Head and sent to the Devon Health and Safety Service. Consultation: employees with concerns should normally raise them with the Executive Head, Head of Teaching and Learning, or Health and Safety Coordinator. However, the Governors welcome the support of trade unions in health and safety matters and staff should feel free to contact the appropriate trade union appointed safety representative. Requests for external help should be raised initially with the Executive Head, Heads of Teaching and Learning or Health and Safety Co-ordinator, who will seek advice from the Devon Health and Safety Service, on any concerns of employees which cannot be resolved locally. Contractors: contractors carrying out work for the School will be vetted for their health and safety performance. They will be required to act in accordance with this policy and the school s specified local arrangements. Contractors will be required to assess the risks to anyone who might be affected as a result of the performance of the contract. In particular, they will be required to make appropriate arrangements with the Executive Head to ensure that the school s Governing Body and users are sufficiently and suitably informed and consulted on issues relevant to risk control. Curriculum Safety: the school recognises that programs of study require that children should be taught about how to identify and reduce risks in the way that they work and a balance must be achieved between independent Learning and the supervision necessary to ensure safety. School staff will ensure that they are familiar with all risks which might arise from the tools, equipment, materials and processes they plan for children to use. Fire Safety: the persons responsible for carrying out the school s fire risk assessment is the Executive Head in conjunction with the Health and Safety Coordinator - Sue Whittaker. All school arrangements for fire prevention and dealing with an emergency are contained within the school s Premises Fire Emergency Plan document. Inspection and Monitoring: the Executive Head/ Health and Safety Coordinator will put in place the necessary arrangements for procedures to be examined and workplaces to be inspected to ensure that workplace precautions remain suitable and sufficient. The central component of this process is the undertaking and review of the Annual Risk Assessment and Safety Review document(s) for the school. Feedback from this process will be referred to the Governing Body. Lettings/shared use of premises: the governing body will ensure that the hirer/tenant has public liability insurance and will share with the hirer/tenant all relevant school health and safety information. The hirer/tenant will be required to provide a copy of their risk assessment where their activities present a significant hazard either to the building itself or to the safety or health of the occupants within it. Medication Arrangements: there is no legal duty requiring the school to administer medicines. However, the school recognises that children with medical needs have the same rights of admission to the school and therefore the school s arrangements are detailed in the school handbook. Moving and Handling: any activities that involve significant manual handling tasks should be risk assessed and, where appropriate, training provided for staff. Offsite Visits: the school will follow the DCC arrangements in respect of any

7 visits off the school premises. The Amanda Somerwill is the Educational Visits Coordinator for Kenton and Sandy Martin is the Educational Visits Coordinator for Kenn, School Partnerships: school linked partners and hirers, will exchange health and safety policies and procedures with the school and ensure that the health and safety of all school staff and users will be protected to a level which is reasonably practicable and equivalent in standard to that provided by the School. In particular, partners will be required to provide school staff and others who might be directly affected with sufficient guidance and advice on any risks or procedures which will be new or unusual in comparison with school s routine activities. Training and Information: training and development needs will be evaluated and appropriate briefing and training provided. Health and safety training will be available to employees and records maintained by the Health and Safety Coordinator. The DCC Health and Safety Manual will be made readily available to employees. 4 ARRANGEMENTS The Executive Head will ensure that pupils and staff are familiar with the arrangements set out in this section of the policy statement. See Health and Safety Reference File and Devon Education H & S Manual for detailed documentation on: 4.1 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES County guidelines: Fire Precautions Guide and Log Sample evacuation procedure use in school Emergency off-site procedures Emergency Plan 4.2 ILLNESS OR ACCIDENT First aid policy and procedures Accident investigation procedures Administration of Medicines Policy Smoking on school premises Asthma in Schools 4.3 HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE/WORKER CONSULTATION ARRANGEMENTS As per governing body with annual feedback from staff and pupils. 4.4 SYSTEMS USED TO MONITOR SAFETY PERFORMANCE Fire Log Maintenance year-planner Risk assessment programme and results Accident statistics Other assessments/inspections carried out: governors walkround, termly staff - checks, MTA meetings, school council Maintenance log book 4.5 MAINTENANCE The following areas will be subject to regular maintenance inspections arranged by the school detailed as attached. Fire extinguishers

8 Portable electrical equipment Burglar alarms PE equipment (indoor and outdoor) HE lge equipment (cookers, microwaves, etc) Devon Surveyors Practice or the County's insurer arranges maintenance of the following at the intervals shown on the wallplanner: Fire alarm Asbestos register Legionella testing of water system Extractor units Kitchen fans Mains electrical system Mains water system 4.6 TRANSPORT POLICY Home to School Transport and Travel Plans Use of minibuses/coaches and private car use Letters to parents Car parking and vehicle movement on school premises 4.7 TRAINING, INFORMATION AND SUPPORT The School will provide adequate facilities for staff to be trained to carry out their health and safety functions and will make use of the expertise provided by the officers and advisers of the Education Department and the County Council as appropriate. In the first instance the contact for health and safety queries is shown in the list of staff with special responsibilities (above). 4.8 LOCAL CODES OF PRACTICE The following texts contain guidance of which staff and pupils should be aware and can all be found on reference in the school office. Devon County Council Education, Arts and Libraries Directorate Health and Safety Manual (as revised and republished by DCC from time to time) For a full, up to date list of LA written/adopted guidance texts, see the Devon Education Health & Safety Manual, GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS County Recommended Texts. 5. POLICY REVIEW 5.1 This policy, its organisation and arrangements will be reviewed annually. The Governing Body will receive a summary report covering key issues, based on the Annual Risk and Safety Review, at least annually. This Procedure should be read in conjunction with The Kenn and Kenton Federation policy for: Safeguarding Children and Child Protection